Zwingli’s controversy with the Anabaptists
This journal article examines Zwingli's conflict with the Anabaptists in Zurich, exploring how former allies and supporters of the Reformation became perceived threats when they pushed for more radical reforms. Koole traces the theological commonalities between Zwingli and the early Anabaptists while explaining the historical and ideological reasons for their eventual rupture, providing valuable context for understanding early Reformed responses to schismatic movements.
Like Luther in Germany, Zwingli was compelled to deal with Anabaptist "brethren" in Zurich and the Swiss cantons. What is significant about the Anabaptists is that they were supporters of the Protestant movement and the Reformers, men who had been former allies and, in some instances, even personal friends -- Carlstadt with Luther, and men such as Conrad Grebel and Felix Manz with Zwingli. For the Reformers, this made having to distance themselves from these former allies, and finally having...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org